As the 2025 National and Local Elections draw near, the People’s Impeachment Movement (PIM) hosted a timely and compelling webinar titled “Hatol ng Bayan: Eleksyon 2025.” The event gathered civic leaders, youth voices, and concerned citizens to confront critical issues facing the nation and to call on voters to make informed, values-driven choices at the ballot box.
The discussion highlighted recent survey results showing deep public distrust toward politicians with ties to China—73 percent of Filipinos say they will not vote for candidates perceived as pro-China. These sentiments were brought to the forefront to remind the public that foreign influence and national security remain major electoral concerns.
“Para sa akin ang simbahan ay hindi partido o pulitika. Ngunit, kaisa kami ng bayan sa paghahangad ng gobyernong may puso, may dangal, at may pananagutan.” said Co-chairman of Novaliches Ecumenical Fellowship and Senior Pastor of San Bartolome Christian Fellowship Pastor Leonard Arevalo.
Prof. Ranjit Rye of OCTA Research, for his part, revealed that 18 percent of Filipino voters will select candidates with clear pro-Philippines stand on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and will defend the Filipinos’ rights in the area.
“Klaro sa ating mga kababayan na hindi sila boboto ng mga kandidato na alam nilang pro-China at malabo ang posisyon sa West Philippine Sea. Ayaw nila ng mga kandidato na hindi ipaglalaban ang ating karapatan at teritoryo sa WPS,” Rye said.
A key theme throughout the webinar was the power and responsibility of the youth vote. With Millennials and Gen Z now making up 63 percent of the voting-age population, their role in shaping the country’s future is undeniable. Yet, many young Filipinos still feel disillusioned or unaware of the weight their vote carries.
“Panahon para kumilos ang kabataan. Umaasa kami sa tamang pagpili niyo. Pumili tayo ng maka-Diyos, makatao at magbabantay sa kaban ng bayan. Pagkakataon na natin ito para baguhin ang ating bansa. Simulan natin ito sa tamang pagboto,” PIM co-convenor and Deputy Executive Director of Caritas Novaliches Fr. Joel Saballa pointed out.
The webinar also tackled the ongoing education crisis. Students in attendance echoed the concerns of 90 percent of Filipinos who believe that quality education should be a top priority for the incoming Congress. Panelists connected these issues to corruption, such as the controversial use of confidential funds by the Department of Education.
“Ang problema ay bagsak na bagsak ang ating sistema ng edukasyon. Ninety one percent learning poverty ayon sa World Bank. Bagsak tayo sa PISA report. Lahat bagsak tayo. Kaya kinakailangan niyo na hindi umasa sa ating mga institusyon habang ito’y inaayos ng isang future government na mas sang-ayon sa interes ng inyong sektor,” political analyst Ronald Llamas said.
“Wag na tayo magboto ng mga nagnanakaw, mga kurap nga sabi natin, mga nagsisinungaling, at may mga proyekto na hindi nakakabuti sa sambayanang Pilipino,” added Fr. Bong Sarabia, Parish Priest of Ina ng Lupang Pangako Parish in Payatas.
The lingering wounds of the drug war also surfaced during the discussion, with voices from affected families calling for truth and accountability.
“Natutuwa ako nang nahuli si Duterte. Nagkaroon ng pag-asa. Ang muling pagbubukas ng usapin ng ICC laban kay dating Pangulong Duterte ay nagpapakita ng kahinaan at kakulangan ng sistemang panghustisya na hindi agad nakapagbibigay ng pananagutan,” shared Nanette Castillo, whose son was a victim of extrajudicial killing during the previous administration.
“Ilang taon din akong naghahangad ng hustisya. Pero siguro kung dito ako umasa sa bansa natin, alam kong matagal, matagal o baka hindi na nga kasi halos ang mga nakaupo ay mga pro-killings. Noong nagpapatayan noon, may tumayo bang senador o Cabinet member na nagpatigil o di sumang-ayon sa war on drugs niya,” she added.
In closing, the event offered a powerful reminder: elections are not just about choosing leaders—they are about choosing the values we want to define our nation. “Hatol ng Bayan: Eleksyon 2025” challenged every Filipino to vote with their conscience.
To watch the replay, visit PIM’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BJn86nHGL/?mibextid=wwXIfr
